The Gun Debate: Rights vs. Regulation

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Duluth, MN (NNCNOW.com) - The renewed push for gun control in the wake of recent tragic incidents has been nothing short of passionate, contentious and at times highly emotional.

But just last week, leaders in both the Minnesota House and Senate said despite the big focus on gun control, there won't be a vote on any gun bill before the legislative session adjourns in just a few weeks.

The discussion at the Capitol was at times intense, on an issue with faces and names behind the statistics.

According to Protect Minnesota, 353 people died from gunshot wounds in Minnesota in 2010.

It's a debate that has strong feelings on both sides, but some say it's important to consider geographic differences and traditions in the debate.

"Metropolitan, large populations, are more likely to associate guns with crime and danger then rural people who would associate guns with traditions that we view as healthy lifestyles,” said David Zentner, an avid outdoorsman.

Zentner said often learning how to shoot gun along with gun safety is as common in the Northland as learning how to drive.

"It's finding sanctuary, pace of life, what we call, euphorically, quality of life,” he said.

A culture that doesn't come without its controversies.

Both sides say the debate will continue even after the legislative session adjourns.

“I knew this was going to be a very complex and contentious issue," said Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul). There is not one simple solution. Gun control is one piece of the problem."

Protect Minnesota said the state has one of the lower rates of gun deaths in the US. They attribute that to the current state background check law.

While many oppose stricter gun controls, they do stress gun safety. We'll take a closer look at that Tuesday night at ten.